Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals, but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not in the ways of Israel. Therefore Yahweh established the kingdom in his hand. All Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance. His heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh. Furthermore, he took away the high places and the Asherah poles out of Judah. Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. They taught in Judah, having the book of Yahweh’s law with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people. The fear of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
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2 Chronicles 17:3-10 sits inside this longer paragraph.
Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel. He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals, but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not in the ways of Israel. Therefore Yahweh established the kingdom in his hand. All Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance. His heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh. Furthermore, he took away the high places and the Asherah poles out of Judah. Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. They taught in Judah, having the book of Yahweh’s law with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people. The fear of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute. The Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams, and seven thousand seven hundred male goats. Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah. He had many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem. This was the numbering of them according to their fathers’ houses: From Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valor; and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred eighty thousand; and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to Yahweh, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. From Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield; and next to him Jehozabad, and with him one hundred eighty thousand ready and prepared for war. These were those who waited on the king, in addition to those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
Parallel Translations
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Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals,
but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not in the ways of Israel.
Therefore Yahweh established the kingdom in his hand. All Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance.
His heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh. Furthermore, he took away the high places and the Asherah poles out of Judah.
Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;
and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
They taught in Judah, having the book of Yahweh’s law with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.
The fear of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
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And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;
But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.
Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.
Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.
And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
Show all 3 translations
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And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto the Baalim;
but sought to the God of his father, and walked in His commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.
Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD; and furthermore he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.
Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;
and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
And they taught in Judah, having the book of the Law of the LORD with them; and they went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people.
And a terror from the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
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Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.
Cross-references (127)
- 2 Chronicles 18:1 (v5) Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and he allied himself with Ahab.
- 2 Kings 22:2 (v3) He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, and walked in all the way of David his father, and didn’t turn away to the right hand or to…
- Isaiah 41:10 (v3) Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will…
- 2 Chronicles 35:3 (vv7, 9) He said to the Levites who taught all Israel, who were holy to Yahweh, “Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king…
- Matthew 6:33 (v5) But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
Show all 100 cross-references
- Psalms 127:1 (v5) Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.
- Matthew 2:11 (v5) They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they…
- 2 Timothy 4:22 (v3) The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
- Genesis 39:2-3 (v3) Yahweh was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian. His master saw that Yahweh was with…
- Genesis 39:21 (v3) But Yahweh was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
- Joshua 1:9 (v3) Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Judges 6:12 (v3) Yahweh’s angel appeared to him, and said to him, “Yahweh is with you, you mighty man of valor!”
- 1 Kings 12:28 (v4) So the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold; and he said to them, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Look and behold…
- 2 Chronicles 14:14 (v10) They struck all the cities around Gerar; for the fear of Yahweh came on them, and they plundered all the cities; for there was much plunder…
- Job 42:12 (v5) So Yahweh blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of…
- Psalms 46:11 (v3) Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.
- Ecclesiastes 12:9-10 (v7) Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.…
- Matthew 28:20 (v3) teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
- Exodus 15:14-16 (v10) The peoples have heard. They tremble. Pangs have taken hold of the inhabitants of Philistia. Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed.…
- Exodus 34:24 (v10) For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither shall any man desire your land when you go up to appear before…
- 1 Samuel 10:27 (v5) But certain worthless fellows said, “How could this man save us?” They despised him, and brought him no present. But he held his peace.
- 2 Chronicles 15:3 (v7) Now for a long time Israel was without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law.
- 2 Chronicles 16:9 (v10) For Yahweh’s eyes run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward…
- 2 Chronicles 32:23 (v5) Many brought gifts to Yahweh to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah; so that he was exalted in the sight of all…
- Nehemiah 8:7-8 (v7) Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused…
- Proverbs 16:7 (v10) When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
- Hosea 14:9 (v6) Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the…
- 1 Peter 5:10 (v5) But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect,…
- Genesis 35:5 (v10) They traveled, and a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn’t pursue the sons of Jacob.
- Joshua 1:5 (v3) No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor…
- 2 Samuel 5:10 (v3) David grew greater and greater; for Yahweh, the God of Armies, was with him.
- 1 Chronicles 22:18 (v3) “Isn’t Yahweh your God with you? Hasn’t he given you rest on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand; and…
- 2 Chronicles 15:17 (v6) But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.
- 2 Chronicles 20:33 (v6) However the high places were not taken away, and the people had still not set their hearts on the God of their fathers.
- 2 Chronicles 30:22 (v7) Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who had good understanding in the service of Yahweh. So they ate throughout the feast for…
- Nehemiah 8:13-14 (v7) On the second day, the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered together to Ezra the…
- Nehemiah 9:3 (v7) They stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of Yahweh their God a fourth part of the day; and a fourth part they…
- Psalms 51:13 (v7) Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners will be converted to you.
- Psalms 68:29 (v5) Because of your temple at Jerusalem, kings shall bring presents to you.
- Psalms 119:1 (v6) Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to Yahweh’s law.
- Ecclesiastes 1:12 (v7) I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 8:10 (v3) Take counsel together, and it will be brought to nothing; speak the word, and it will not stand, for God is with us.”
- Matthew 1:23 (v3) “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted,…
- Luke 1:6 (v4) They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.
- Luke 4:43-44 (v7) But he said to them, “I must preach the good news of God’s Kingdom to the other cities also. For this reason I have been sent.” He was…
- John 5:46 (v9) For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me.
- Acts 1:1 (v7) The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,
- 1 Thessalonians 2:12 (v4) to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.
- Genesis 13:2 (v5) Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
- Genesis 26:13-14 (v5) The man grew great, and grew more and more until he became very great. He had possessions of flocks, possessions of herds, and a great…
- Exodus 3:12 (v3) He said, “Certainly I will be with you. This will be the token to you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt,…
- Exodus 4:12 (v3) Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.”
- Deuteronomy 4:5 (v7) Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as Yahweh my God commanded me, that you should do so in the middle of the land…
- Deuteronomy 8:13-14 (v5) and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; then your…
- Deuteronomy 33:10 (v7) They shall teach Jacob your ordinances, and Israel your law. They shall put incense before you, and whole burnt offering on your altar.
- Joshua 2:9-11 (v10) She said to the men, “I know that Yahweh has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants…
- 2 Samuel 7:25-26 (v5) Now, Yahweh God, the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, confirm it forever, and do as you have…
- 2 Samuel 8:15 (v3) David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness for all his people.
- 1 Kings 4:21 (v5) Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and…
- 1 Kings 9:4-5 (v5) As for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that…
- 1 Kings 10:25 (v5) Year after year, every man brought his tribute, vessels of silver, vessels of gold, clothing, armor, spices, horses, and mules.
- 1 Kings 10:27 (v5) The king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem, and cedars as common as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland.
- 1 Kings 11:6 (v3) Solomon did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, and didn’t go fully after Yahweh, as David his father did.
- 1 Kings 22:43 (v6) He walked in all the way of Asa his father. He didn’t turn away from it, doing that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes. However the high…
- 2 Kings 8:18 (v4) He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did Ahab’s house; for he married Ahab’s daughter. He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s…
- 2 Kings 17:19 (v4) Also Judah didn’t keep the commandments of Yahweh their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.
- 2 Kings 18:3 (v3) He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, according to all that David his father had done.
- 2 Chronicles 1:15 (v5) The king made silver and gold to be as common as stones in Jerusalem, and he made cedars to be as common as the sycamore trees that are in…
- 2 Chronicles 9:27 (v5) The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars to be as abundant as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland.
- 2 Chronicles 15:2 (v3) and he went out to meet Asa, and said to him, “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin! Yahweh is with you, while you are with him; and if…
- 2 Chronicles 15:8-13 (v3) When Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominations out of all the land of…
- 2 Chronicles 19:3 (v6) Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek…
- 2 Chronicles 19:8 (v8) Moreover in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites and priests, and of the heads of the fathers’ households of Israel, for the judgment of…
- 2 Chronicles 32:27-29 (v5) Hezekiah had exceedingly much riches and honor. He provided himself with treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices,…
- 2 Chronicles 34:3-7 (v6) For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father; and in the twelfth year he…
- Ezra 7:1-6 (v8) Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, the son…
- Psalms 18:21-22 (v6) For I have kept the ways of Yahweh, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his ordinances were before me. I didn’t put away…
- Psalms 34:11 (v7) Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of Yahweh.
- Psalms 46:7 (v3) Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.
- Psalms 72:10 (v5) The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
- Psalms 76:11 (v5) Make vows to Yahweh your God, and fulfill them! Let all of his neighbors bring presents to him who is to be feared.
- Psalms 132:1-5 (v3) Yahweh, remember David and all his affliction, how he swore to Yahweh, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob: “Surely I will not come into…
- Psalms 132:12 (v5) If your children will keep my covenant, my testimony that I will teach them, their children also will sit on your throne forever more.”
- Psalms 138:5 (v6) Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh, for Yahweh’s glory is great!
- Isaiah 49:23 (v7) Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and…
- Jeremiah 2:23 (v3) “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled. I have not gone after the Baals’? See your way in the valley. Know what you have done. You are a swift…
- Hosea 4:15 (v4) “Though you, Israel, play the prostitute, yet don’t let Judah offend; and don’t come to Gilgal, neither go up to Beth Aven, nor swear, ‘As…
- Malachi 2:7 (v8) For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of Armies.
- Matthew 4:23 (v7) Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every…
- Matthew 18:20 (v3) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
- Mark 4:2 (v7) He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching,
- Romans 3:2 (v9) Much in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the revelations of God.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (v4) Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that…
- Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (v9) Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one. You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your…
- Deuteronomy 28:47 (v6) Because you didn’t serve Yahweh your God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things;
- Deuteronomy 31:11-13 (v9) when all Israel has come to appear before Yahweh your God in the place which he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in…
- Joshua 1:7-8 (v9) Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn…
- Judges 2:11 (v3) The children of Israel did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, and served the Baals.
- Judges 2:18 (v3) When Yahweh raised up judges for them, then Yahweh was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the…
- Judges 8:33 (v3) As soon as Gideon was dead, the children of Israel turned again and played the prostitute following the Baals, and made Baal Berith their…
100 distinct cross-references across this passage (127 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (20 sources)
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 6, 7, 10 That is, his virtues: meaning before he had committed…
That is, his virtues: meaning before he had committed with Bathsheba, and against Uriah.
Sought not help at strange Gods.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 2Ch 17:3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because…
2Ch 17:3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;
Ver. 3. Because he walked in the first ways of his father David.] Who during his trouble kept himself free from scandalous and reproachful practices, innocent from the great transgression. {Psa 19:13} David rectior fuit in servitio quam in regno, saith Gregory.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 In the first ways, which David walked in before…
In the first ways, which David walked in before he fell into those horrid sins of murder and adultery. Or, in the ways of David, and his father’s first ways. For the beginning of Asa’s reign was laudable, as we have seen, though he declined at last. For it seems more probable that this passage is a reflection upon Asa, whose last ways were much his worst, and of whose repentance we have no evidence, than upon David, who, though he fell dreadfully in the matter of Uriah, yet did manifestly repent of it, and return to his first and holy course of life, in which also he continued until death; having this character given him by the Holy Ghost after his death, that he did right in all things, saving that of Uriah, 1Ki 15:5.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v10 We have here a further account of Jehoshaphat's great…
We have here a further account of Jehoshaphat's great prosperity and the flourishing state of his kingdom.
I. He had good interest in the neighbouring princes and nations. Though he was not perhaps so great a soldier as David (which might have made him their terror), nor so great a scholar as Solomon (which might have made him their oracle), yet the fear of the Lord fell so upon them (that is, God so influenced and governed their spirits) that they had all a reverence for him, Ch2 17:10. And, 1. None of them made war against him. God's good providence so ordered it that, while the princes and priests were instructing and reforming the country, none of his neighbours gave him any molestations, to take him off from that good work. Thus when Jacob and his sons were going to worship at Bethel the terror of God was upon the neighbouring cities, that they did not pursue after them, Gen 35:5, and see Exo 34:24. 2. Many of them brought presents to him (Ch2 17:11), to secure his friendship. Perhaps these were a tribute imposed upon them by Asa, who made himself master of the cities of the Philistines, and the tents of the Arabians, Ch2 14:14, Ch2 14:15. With the 7700 rams, and the same number of he-goats, which the Arabians brought, there was probably a proportionable number of ewes and lambs, she-goats and kids.
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II. He had a very considerable stores laid up in the cities of Judah. He pulled down his barns, and built larger (Ch2 17:12), castles and cities of store, for arms and victuals. He was a man of business, and aimed at the public good in all his undertakings, either to preserve the peace or prepare for war.
III. He had the militia in good order. It was never in better since David modelled it. Five lord-lieutenants (if I may so call them) are here named, with the numbers of those under their command (the serviceable men, that were fit for war in their respective districts), three in Judah, and two in Benjamin. It is said of one of these great commanders, Amasiah, that he willingly offered himself unto the Lord (Ch2 17:16), not only to the king, to serve him in this post, but to the Lord, to glorify him in it. He was the most eminent among them for religion, he accepted the place, not for the honour, or power, or profit of it, but for conscience' sake towards God, that he might serve his country,. It was usual for great generals then to offer of their spoils to the Lord, Ch1 26:26. But this good man offered himself first to the Lord, and then his dedicated things. The number of the soldiers under these five generals amounts to 1,160,000 men, a vast number for so small a compass of ground as Judah's and Benjamin's lot to furnish out and maintain. Abijah could bring into the field but 400,000 (Ch2 13:3), Asa not 600,000 (Ch2 14:8), yet Jehoshaphat has at command almost 1,200,000. But it must be considered, 1. That God had promised to make the seed of Abraham like the sand of the sea for number. 2. There had now been a long peace. 3. We may suppose that the city of Jerusalem was very much enlarged. 4. Many had come over to them from the kingdom of Israel (Ch2 15:19), which would increase the numbers of the people. 5. Jehoshaphat was under a special blessing of God, which made his affairs to prosper greatly. The armies, we may suppose, were dispersed all the country over, and each man resided for the most part on his own estate; but they appeared often, to be mustered and trained, and were ready at call whenever there was occasion. The commanders waited on the king (Ch2 17:19) as officers of his court, privy-counsellors, and ministers of state.
But, lastly, observe, It was not this formidable army that struck a terror upon the neighbouring nations, that restrained them from attempting any thing against Israel, or obliged them to pay tribute, but the fear of God which fell upon them when Jehoshaphat reformed his country and set up a preaching ministry in it, Ch2 17:10. The ordinances of God are more the strength and safety of a kingdom than its military force - its men of God more than its men of war.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv3–10 And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat,.... Guiding and directing,…
And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat,.... Guiding and directing, prospering and succeeding him in all things; he had, no doubt, his gracious presence in spiritual things, as well as his powerful and directing presence in things civil; the Targum is,"the Word of the Lord was for his help;"
because he walked in the first ways of his father David; which were his best; some of his last ways not being good, as in the affair of Uriah and Bathsheba, and his numbering of the people; Jehoshaphat followed him in the one, but not in the other: or, "in the ways of David and his father, the first"; the first of them both; for the latter ways of his father Asa were not so good as his first, as the preceding chapter shows; and the Septuagint version leaves out the word "David", and so restrains it to his own father:
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and sought not unto Baalim; as did Ahab king of Israel, who now reigned there; Kg1 15:24.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 Sought not, &c. - It is true, he recovered…
Sought not, &c. - It is true, he recovered from that fall. "Yet perhaps, says Mr. Henry, he never, while he lived, fully retrieved the spiritual strength he lost by it."
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv3, 7, 8, 9 Verse 3. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat] "The WORD…
Verse 3. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat] "The WORD of the Lord was Jehoshaphat's Helper." - Targum.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv3, 5, 7, 9, 10 2Ch 17:3-4. He walked in the first ways of…
2Ch 17:3-4. He walked in the first ways of his father David — His ways before he fell so foully, in the matter of Uriah, which were good ways. David, indeed, recovered from that fall, but, perhaps, never, while he lived, fully retrieved the spiritual strength and comfort which he had lost. Jehoshaphat followed David as far as he followed God, and no farther. St. Paul himself thus limits our imitation of him, 1Co 11:1, Follow me, as I follow Christ, and not otherwise. The first ways of many pious people have been their best ways, and their first love their strongest love: which, however, ought not to be the case: for the last ought to be more than the first, Rev 2:19. But in every copy we propose to write after, as we ought to single out that only which is good, so that chiefly which is best. The original words here are literally rendered, He walked in the ways of David his father, הראשׁונים, hareshonim, those first, or ancient ways. He proposed to himself, for his example, the primitive times of the royal family, those purest times, before the corruptions of the late reigns came in. See Jer 6:16. The LXX. leave out David, and so refer this to Asa: He walked in the first ways of his father Asa, and did not imitate him in what was amiss in him toward the latter end of his time. It is well to be cautious in following the best men, lest we step aside after them. And sought not unto Baalim — The neighbouring nations had their Baalim: one had one Baal, and another had another; but he abhorred them all, and had nothing to do with any of them. He sought the Lord God of his father, and him only; prayed to him only; and inquired of him only.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 The first ways of his father David - The…
The first ways of his father David - The Septuagint and several Hebrew manuscripts omit “David,” which has probably crept in from the margin, for David’s “first ways” are nowhere else contrasted with his later ways. The real meaning of the writer is, that Jehoshaphat followed the example set by his father Asa in his earlier years 2Ch 14:1-15; 15.
Baalim - On the plural form, see 1Ki 18:18 note.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 First. Before his fall: some copies add, "and last,"…
First. Before his fall: some copies add, "and last," (La Haye) as the Gothic MS. used by Mariana does, agreeably to the Scripture style. D. --- David began and ended well. H.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 he walked in the first ways of his father…
he walked in the first ways of his father David--He imitated the piety of his great ancestor in the early part of his reign before he made those unhappy lapses which dishonored his character.
and sought not unto Baalim--a term used for idols generally in contradistinction to the Lord God of his father.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 6, 7, 9 3. The first ways of his father David —…
3. The first ways of his father David — The first or earlier ways of David are contrasted with his later ways “in the matter of Uriah,” and his sin in numbering the people. The Septuagint omits the word David, and some have therefore thought it an interpolation, and understand the earlier ways of Asa to be intended.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 3. in the first ways of his father David]…
3. in the first ways of his father David] Omit David (so LXX.), the person referred to being Asa (1Ki_22:43). Asa’s first ways (ch. 14, 15) were good, his latter ways (ch. 16), according to the Chronicler, were evil.
unto Baalim] R.V. unto the Baalim. Baal is not a proper name, but a title meaning “Lord,” which was generally given to false gods. Israel might not call Jehovah, “My Baal” (Baali), Hos_2:16-17.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 (3) He walked in the first ways.—The former or…
(3) He walked in the first ways.—The former or earlier ways of David, as contrasted with his later conduct—a tacit allusion to the adultery with Bathsheba and other sins of David committed in his later years (2 Samuel 11-24). A few MSS. and the LXX. omit David.
And sought not unto Baalim.—And sought not the Baals (dârash lĕ, a late construction). The Baals were different local aspects of the sun-god. Here the term no doubt includes the illegal worship of Jehovah under the form of a bullock, as instituted by Jeroboam, and practised in the northern kingdom (“the doing of Israel” 2Ch_17:4). Syriac, “and prayed not to images.”
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 The first ways of his father David. Although there…
The first ways of his father David. Although there would be no difficulty in reconciling this statement with history, yet probably the name David should not stand here. It is not in the Septuagint. The most natural and sufficient reference is to Asa. And sought not unto Ballim; literally, to the Baalim; i.e. to the various false gods of surrounding peoples, (Jud_1:2:11) Baal-berith, (Jud_1:8:33 9:4, 46) Baal-, (2Ki_1:2) Baal-peor, (Num_23:28, etc.; Num_25:3) according to the places where the idolatrous worship was carried on. (For the preposition l, "to," after "sought," in this and following verse, see 1Ch_22:19)
Vers. 3-6.
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The wise choice and the happy course.
We have before us here the king who made the wise choice, and who consequently ran through a very happy course. In him we have an example; in it a promise for ourselves.
I THE WISE CHOICE, WHICH IS AN EXAMPLE TO US. Jehoshaphat:
1. Preferred the true God to the false deities; he "sought to the Lord Godof his father," and he "sought not unto Baalim." Moreover, he set before him, as that which he should copy:
2. The best part of the best man"s life. Not the life of the less perfect Abijah or Rehoboam, or even Solomon, but David; and of his life, not the latter part, which was more luxurious and less pure, but the first ways of his father David," which were lees luxurious and more pure than the last. Herein he showed an excellent judgment. He could not have done a wiser thing, as he certainly could not have done anything more solemnly and stringently binding upon him, than resolve to cleave to the "God of his fathers the God who had called both king and kingdom into existence, to whom he and his people owed all that they were and had. There were certain fascinations connected with the worship of Baalim appealing to their lower nature; but what were these to the weighty and overwhelming considerations that bound him to Jehovah? And he could not have done better than choose for his exemplar the devout and faithful David; and, choosing him, to select the earlier and worthier part of his very checkered and somewhat uneven life. Before us is a similar choice, and we must make up our mind what we will decide upon.
(1) We have to choose what God we will serve; whether the Lord God of our fathers, whether the heavenly Father, the Divine Saviour and Friend of our souls, or whether this passing world with its lower interests, its fading honours, its transient joys.
(2) We have to determine in whose steps we will follow; whether those of the ambitious, or of the pleasure-seeking, or of the aimless man, or those of the reverent and earnest man; and again, if we choose the last, whether we will direct our eye to those elements in his character and to those portions of his life which are not the second-best, but the noblest and worthiest of all.
II THE HAPPY COURSE, WHICH IS A PROMISE FOR US. Jehoshaphat had all that a king could well wish for.
1. A sense of God"s favouring presence (ver. 3).
2. A sense of growing security throughout his kingdom (ver. 5).
3. The testimony of his people"s attachment to his person (ver. 5). Honour as well as abundance (ver. 5).
4. Elation of heart, great and continuous gladness in the service of Jehovah( ver. 6).
5. The expenditure of his power m further cleansing usefulness (ver. 6). What rewards of the king"s fidelity were due to his royal position we, of course, cannot look for. But if we make the wiser choice we may reckon upon a life of true and real blessedness. To us there will be secured
(1) all needful temporal good (Psa_37:25 Psa_34:22; Mat_6:33; 1Ti_4:8)
(2) the conscious and abiding presence of God (Joh_14:23 Joh_15:4; Rev_3:20)
(3) the peace which, not as the world gives, Christ gives to his own, and the joy which no man taketh from us;
(4) the spiritual conditions of holy usefulness, the means and opportunity of exerting a pure and elevating influence on many hearts, and thus of uplifting and ennobling many lives;
(5) the hope that maketh not ashamed. C.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv6, 8 And his heart was lifted up in the ways…
2Ch_17:6
And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord.
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Encouragement in the ways of the Lord
I. The ways of the Lord are divine. Are His ways cold and unpleasant? H we descend a deep coal-pit and look up the shaft into the bright sky, we see the stars, but the pit is cold and dark. So men think that when they commune with God, it is like being in a coal-pit beholding a star; it is a beautiful sight, but makes one cold and unpleasant. Is this the truth? No; the Bible describes Gods people as having melody in their hearts, and one of His sweetest names is The happy God. Some people are afraid of becoming religious, lest they should be miserable; but they mistake the God in whose breast there is an ever-flowing heaven. The man who the most loves God is the happiest in disposition and the most cheerful as well as the most graceful in life.
II. His ways are also humane; they constrain us to love our suffering fellow-man, when he can do us no good but when we can do him good. (W. Birch.)
Jehoshaphat
I. Some men when, like jehoshaphat, they have riches and honour in abundance, have their hearts lifted up, but not in the ways of the Lord. The natural tendency of such circumstances is to create and foster a spirit of pride, of self-sufficiency, and of independence. How necessary the warning (Deu_8:11-14). Nebuchadnezzar is a striking exemplification of this.
II. Some men whose hearts are not lifted up are in the ways of the Lord. They are real Christians, but doubting, desponding Christians.
III. Some men have their hearts lifted up, like Jehoshaphat, in the ways of the Lord. They rejoice in the Lord alway. (R. Harley.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv3, 4, 6 After the Jewish custom of calling a family, or…
father
After the Jewish custom of calling a family, or tribal head, father; e.g. Joh 8:53.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v10 Jehoshaphat’s Riches, Valor, and Mighty Men
Jehoshaphat’s Riches, Valor, and Mighty Men
v. 10. And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat, namely, while these reformatory measures were being carried out.
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v. 11. Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, voluntarily placing themselves under his jurisdiction as tributaries, and tribute silver; and the Arabians, the nomad tribes to the south and southeast of the Dead Sea, brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams and seven thousand and seven hundred he-goats, apparently the tale of so many herds of cattle.
v. 12. And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly, he became ever greater in riches and power; and he built in Judah castles, single fortified palaces, and cities of store, where food was stored against the event of a war.
v. 13. And he had much business in the cities of Judah, great stores of food and material; and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem.
v. 14. And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers, the divisions known as father-houses: of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valor, three hundred thousand.
v. 15. And next to him, next in rank, was Jehohanan, the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.
v. 16. And next him was Amasiah, the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the Lord; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor, the total number of men in Judah available for purposes of war being 780,000.
v. 17. And of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, and with him armed men with bow and shield, the Benjamites having always been famed as archers, two hundred thousand.
v. 18. And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand, ready prepared for the war, the total number from Benjamin being 380,000.
v. 19. These waited on the king, they were at his disposal, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah, the garrisons of all the fortresses. No monarch, after the time of Solomon, equaled Jehoshaphat in the greatness of his revenue, in the strength of his forts, and in the number of his troops. Note: Whenever people returned to the Word of God in all its purity and readily learned and followed it, conditions became better, and God’s blessings rested upon the entire country.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv3, 5, 7, 10 Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat
Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat
Here "was with" is an idiom. AT: "God supported him" or "God helped him" (See: Idiom)
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walked in the first ways of his father
Here the way a person lives and conducts himself is spoken of as if it were walking. For most of David's life he lived righteously and followed Yahweh closely. AT: "lived in the first ways of his father David" or "lived righteously as has father David had done in his earlier years" (See: Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
did not seek the Baals
This means that he did not worship the Baal idols in order to seek help from them. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
walked in
The word "walked" is used here as an idiom. AT: "followed" (See: Idiom)
not after the behavior of Israel
"and did not behave in the ways of the people of Israel." This refers to how most of the people of Israel did not follow Yahweh. AT: "and did not follow the evil practices that were common in Israel" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
translationWords
Yahweh
walk
David
Baal
God
command
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv3, 5, 7, 10 17:3-4 For the first time, the Chronicler compares Judah’s…
17:3-4 For the first time, the Chronicler compares Judah’s practices with those of northern Israel, showing his awareness that the Baal cult from Tyre had been introduced into northern worship (see 1 Kgs 16:31-32).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.